Everything you need to know to create a custom-made diamond engagement ring.

The best way to get the natural diamond engagement ring of your dreams—and something forever personal and unique—is to design one that’s custom. We asked two jewelers who specialize in custom rings how to create a custom diamond engagement ring that reflects your style and love story. Turns out, it’s easier than you’d think.

1. Find the diamond engagement ring designer or jeweler that speaks to your style.

When you are creating a custom ring, you need to work with a designer or jeweler whose style and quality you admire. “You might pick the best diamond, but if it’s in a poor-quality setting then you won’t be happy,”  says Manny Soin – c0-owner of Middleton Jewelers.

 

2. Establish a budget and prioritize what matters most to you.

Determining a budget up-front makes it easier to identify a range of diamond options. Most people have to compromise on something to stay within their budget, so it’s best to know in advance what matters most to you, whether it be a larger stone, a diamond of the highest possible quality, or a setting with side stones. Once a budget is established, Middleton Jewelers sources a range of diamonds to present to clients for comparison and consideration. While each diamond should have a GIA certificate that incorporates the 4 Cs to identify the stone’s quality, it’s important to remember that two stones with identical GIA grading reports can still appear very different.

Steph R. – a designer at Middleton Jewelers says ” I urge my clients to pay more attention to the stone itself (the way it looks, how it makes them feel) rather than what’s on the paper.”

3. Bigger is (generally) better.

“The size of the diamond is the most important factor in designing a ring,” says Manny Soin. “The average consumer won’t notice tiny inclusions or a hint of warmth, but they will notice the size of the stone from near and far.”

For that reason, Manny steers his clients away from VVS stones if they are on a limited budget saying: “I don’t believe in paying for something you can’t see. I am also not afraid of a little warmth in a stone. I don’t prescribe to the thought that only the whitest of diamonds are beautiful.”

On the other hand, Middleton Jewelers does have an incredible selection of VS quality natural and lab-created stones that can deliver an extra “pop” we coupled with a colorless factor as well. Middleton Jewelers has everything you need in every range of the highest quality products.

4. Research ring styles and stick with what you love.

“Before you sit down with a designer, spend time researching for inspiration and trying on different rings to discover the styles you love, what you don’t like and what looks good on you,” advises Steph R – in-house custom cad design specialist at Middleton Jewelers. Just continue to remind yourself not to be swayed by trends; celebrity engagement rings get a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean they are right for you.

“Stick to your gut when selecting the ring,” says Steph R. “If you have always loved round diamonds, and then Hailey Bieber gets engaged with an oval and suddenly you like an oval, is it because you actually like that stone shape or are you being influenced by the trend?”

5. Choose a diamond engagement ring for your style—and lifestyle.

Once you have chosen the diamond, the right designer or jeweler will work with you to create a diamond engagement ring that suits your lifestyle. “Simple designs are the most popular right now,” says Josh Gamer, whose bestselling ring is a solitaire on his Whisper Thin band. “Simple styles,” he explains, “ensure that the focus stays on the diamond.”

Also, women today want more durable ring styles that they can wear from the office to the gym. (As such, Manny notes that micro pave settings are losing popularity.)

Your ring should also match your individual style, be it modern or vintage. “At the very least make sure you are buying a diamond shape you will love forever,” says Manny.  “It’s pretty inexpensive to change a diamond setting after a few years, but it’s expensive to change the stone.”

Additionally, it’s important to consider your wedding band when selecting your ring style. Perhaps you’re envisioning an engagement ring that pairs with stackable wedding bands? More and more women are going in this direction because different stackable bands easily allow for the changing-up of a look based on time of day, attire, or mood. Middleton Jewelers is known to create custom wedding bands that can integrate with engagement rings.

6. Get creative: it’s all in the details

Different metal finishes, detailing, unique side stones, and the personalization of a ring with engravings and other hidden elements are what really allow for a ring to stand apart. “I have the most fun when clients tell me stories about things that are significant to them and their relationship, and I am able to figure out how to incorporate them into the ring,” says Steph R, who integrates symbols and characters, such as flowers, birthstones, and spiritual motifs, on the insides of the rings she designs.

Steph R. always provides clients with sketches of their diamond engagement rings for approval, and then 3-D renderings are made before wax molds are carved for each design. Make sure you approve your ring every step of the way to ensure you are getting everything you want. And don’t be afraid to make modifications along the way (just make sure to do so before the wax mold is made).

7. Buy a diamond engagement ring without leaving home

Technology has made it much easier to create custom-made rings by presenting diamonds, settings, and styles in images and videos when you can’t meet directly with a jeweler, but nothing replaces the feeling of trying on a ring in person.

Once a client places an order, the GIA-certified diamond ring is made in Middleton WI, and delivered within two to three weeks. With a little research and planning, you easily design the custom diamond ring of your dreams—the ring that tells your unique story.

By now we’re all very aware that nothing, not even a global pandemic, can stop love. And it certainly hasn’t put a stop to engagement season! The latest engagement ring trends are still on display, and designers, and couples, are getting more creative than ever when it comes to ring shopping.

“I believe the moment calls for spectacular and precious things,” says designer Anna Sheffield. “Wedding ceremonies may change or be on hold for now, but the desire to celebrate love and union is going strong.”

So what does the latest crop of rings have to offer? We’re diving deep into the top engagement ring trends for 2021. Whether you already have the ring of your dreams picked out (dropping hints counts), or you and your partner are just starting to talk about what that bling might look like—you’ll want to be armed with all the latest engagement ring trends before you safely visit your favorite jeweler, or virtually discuss the ideal ring with a designer.

We rounded up some of our favorite jewelry designers to talk all things engagement rings—from the latest trends, to how the pandemic has changed the way couples are shopping for rings. Here, the engagement ring trends you need to know for 2021.

Unique Rings With Personal Details

In a year full of such uncertainty, couples are taking control of what few details they can as it relates to marriage—and one of those is focusing on personal touches when it comes to engagement rings. “A huge difference we’ve seen is that clients have much more time and space to explore what they want, so they are coming to us with much more personal, thoughtful, and insightful directions and ideas,” Azlee’s CEO and designer, Baylee Zwart, says.

“Right now I am seeing a huge surge in clients wanting alternative engagement rings, mainly in the form of a unique cut or an unusual custom-designed setting,” jewelry Angie Marei tells us.

Tacori’s COO and Design Director Nadine Tacorian agrees and says that customers are eager to celebrate love by making the ring their own. “Rings with secret details—hidden messages of love only you and your partner know about,” Tacorian adds.

“People are continually searching for ways to do things differently. We’ve seen all the rings flashed on every social media channel. People are looking to add another layer to the traditional wedding band, putting some extra love and meaning behind it,” says Madeline Fraser, founder, and CEO of Gemist.

 

Band Style Rings

Given the ever-changing landscape of weddings, jewelry designers are seeing clients turning to band-style engagement rings for a two-in-one situation. “I am seeing an increase in brides that are opting for band-style engagement rings in lieu of a single stone engagement ring,” says Grace Lee. Lee counts her Marquise and Pear diamond band and 5mm crown Bezel eternity band as the most popular.

KatKim designer Katherine Kim is also seeing this trend on the rise “Since a lot of weddings are being postponed we have been seeing a rise in rings that can serve as both an engagement ring and wedding band from our Crescendo Flare Collection,” Kim says.

“Traditionally in many European countries they do not give engagement rings but rather wedding bands/eternity bands as engagement/wedding bands rings,” says designer Emily Rudman, founder of Emilie Heathe. She adds that the current crop of pandemic safety measures have helped keep this trend going. “It’s also easier to clean/sanitize and can endure  the constant washing and hand sanitizing we are doing these days.”

Classic Styles With a Modern Twist

The nature of virtual ring shopping has given rise to a return to classic styles for engagement rings. “Because less clients are coming in person to our showroom to try on different settings, more and more are playing it safe with classic styles, like a solitaire or 3-stone ring,” says Nicole Wegman founder of Ring Concierge.

Stylist Micaela Erlanger, whose Forevermark X Micaela Erlanger collection is an office favorite, is also seeing classics making a comeback. “Going into the new year we are seeing couples gravitate towards classic cuts like round, oval, and cushion set in delicate platinum settings that really allow the diamond to pop,” Erlanger shares.

Famed-jewelry (and the absolute best Instagram to follow for ring inspo) Stephanie Gottlieb agrees. “Overall I think our brides are embracing “fashion-forward” bridal designs with traditional elements (which is really my MO when it comes to Bridal jewelry; classic with a modern twist),” Gottlieb says.

Anna Sheffield is also seeing this timeless trend making an impact for 2021. “I think there is something to be said for really timeless rings, and choosing a super special stone,” says Sheffield.

“A more traditional ring with a pretty silhouette and exquisite detail speak to today’s bride and this trend will continue into 2021,” Cathy Waterman tells us. We definitely agree there’s something to sticking to a tried-and-true style in the midst of dealing with the unexpected.

Heirloom-Inspired Old European Cuts

It’s no surprise that engagement ring shoppers are considering family traditions and legacy as they search for the right sparkler and opting for rings that feel like an heirloom. In a year where families were largely kept apart, longing for loved ones is making couples nostalgic and they’re thinking about future generations as they begin their own families. “Engagement ring trends we anticipate in 2021 are heirloom inspired designs – connecting modern love stories to vintage details, creating new family traditions and legacies,” Tacorian adds.

Olivia Landau, founder, and CEO of The Clear Cut, agrees that the trend has longevity. “Old European cuts are one of my favorites because their unique faceting pattern makes them one of a kind and timeless!” 

“A lot of weddings are becoming smaller or being postponed due to the pandemic so, in a sense, the responsibility and the symbolic value carried by an engagement ring might be heavier than ever,” says designer Moritz Glik.

Virtual Shopping Makes Things Easier, and Faster

We’re living in a virtual world and that applies to more than just Zoom meetings. Jewelry designers got creative this year, taking a business that relies on literally getting your hands all over something, and making it virtual. The results opened up a whole new way of shopping and a whole new clientele for many designers. “We are finding that couples are acting more spontaneously and wishing to expedite the proposal and engagement process. With so much uncertainty, it’s nice to take control and keep the process simple,” Ashley Zhang says.

“Since the pandemic and other events in 2020, I feel consumers, in general, are encouraging purchases from smaller independent business’ where they can get to know the designer behind a brand,” says Marei whose business has seen an increase in online inquiries and sales over the last year.

Thanks to her large social footprint, Gottlieb was prepared for the switch. “Our bridal business has been virtual for quite some time, since our audience is coming to us from Instagram, and includes shoppers from all over the country, and the world. So luckily we were prepared for this “remote” shopping experience. For us, videos have been the most helpful element to provide our clients a full visual of their purchasing options.”